Raven Kaldera's Books

Cauldron Farm
12 Simonds Hill Road
Hubbardston, MA 01452

Published Books

Pagan Astrology: Spell-Casting, Love Magic, and Shamanic Stargazing, by Raven Kaldera
Traditionally, magically oriented astrology has focused on Sun-sign horoscopes while modern Western astrology has focused on attempting to become as "scientific" as possible in hopes of aligning with its sister science of astronomy. In Pagan Astrology, Raven Kaldera, a practicing astrologer and Pagan shaman, uses the commonalities and strengths of Western astrology and Pagan green magic to introduce a hands-on astrological practice that incorporates intuition, spells, and other modes of folk magic into astrology.

Kaldera includes an extensive compendium of modern magical remedies to counteract negative astrological influences and shows how to use planetary energy to aid Pagan worship and green magic practice through spell casting, love magic, and shamanic stargazing. Kaldera also explains how to create planetary altars that enhance the astrological correspondences of traditional Pagan holidays using the tools of folk magic. Practitioners of green and folk magic and those who love traditional astrology will welcome this unique approach to planetary magic. Buy Pagan Astrology at Amazon

Drawing Down the Spirits: The Traditions and Techniques of Spirit Possession, by Kenaz Filan & Raven Kaldera
Drawing Down the Spirits presents an insider’s view of the inner workings, sacred traditions, and prevalence of spirit possession existing in our modern world. Spirit possession is an integral part of shamanism as well as many neo-pagan forms of worship that draw down deities or invite spirit possession. However, spirit possession is not for the unprepared. In Drawing Down the Spirits, Kenaz Filan and Raven Kaldera, both initiated and experienced in shamanic and Vodou traditions, present the practical guidance needed to participate in ritual possession.

Addressing the benefits and the dangers that await the naive, Filan and Kaldera show that there is no such thing as a guaranteed "safe" possession because spirits have their own agenda--and they are much more powerful than we are. The authors provide a variety of techniques to prepare for possession and abort possession and to promote the safety of the possessed as well as the spirits and witnesses present. With a wide-ranging look at the historic forms of ritual possession found throughout the world--including Uganda, Nepal, Korea, Bali, Greece, Turkey, Scandinavia, and France--the authors also include numerous firsthand accounts collected from witnesses of modern spirit possession. Buy Drawing Down the Spirits at Amazon

Dear Raven and Joshua: Questions and Answers About Master/Slave Relationships, by Raven Kaldera
The world of consenting Master/slave relationships often seems murky and mysterious from an outsider's perspective, and there are few models for those who are tentatively venturing into it. When it's not just a fantasy any more, reality often turns out to be so different from fantasy that would-be owners and slaves don't know how to make it work in a sustainable way. This book is as far from fantasy as it gets. Written by a real-life Master/slave couple who counsel people in power-dynamic relationships, Dear Raven and Joshua answers real questions about real problems encountered in daily living with M/s. Whether you're playing part-time with a BDSM lifestyle, live in a leather household, or are attempting a 24/7 total power exchange, you'll find this book is a trouble-shooting resource you won't want to pass up. Buy Hermaphrodeities at Lulu or on Amazon.

Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner: A Book of Prayer, Devotional Practice, and the Nine Worlds of Spirit , by Galina Krasskova & Raven Kaldera
Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner is a ground-breaking look at the development of devotional work within the body of polytheistic religious traditions ranging from Theodism to Asatru to Norse Paganism, that comprise the greater umbrella of the Northern Tradition. While interest in devotional and experiential work within these traditions has been growing rapidly over the past few years, this is the first book to offer an inclusive look at the diverse scope and breadth of such practices as a living, modern-day religion. It features an in-depth exploration of altar work, prayer, prayer beads, ritual work, sacred images, lore, and a thorough examination of the common core cosmology that forms the foundation of belief for the vast expanse of Northern Tradition communities.

Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner is not denomination-specific: rather, it seeks to provide an entry into interior practice for anyone involved in a branch of this broad family of traditions of the ancient Norse, Germanic, and Saxon peoples, using material suitable for the solitary, independent practitioner. Those outside of the Northern Tradition who wish to deepen their own devotional practice will find this book helpful in their own work, as well. This important new title can be seen as a companion book to Galina Krasskova's Exploring the Northern Tradition or it can stand entirely on its own. Buy Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner at Amazon

The Giants' Tarot, by Raven Kaldera
The Jotunfolk, or Giants, of northern myth are a widely varied race. Some are fiery, some watery, some earthy, some like the blizzards of winter. Some are Gods, some are simple trolls, and many are in between. Their stories weave through northern myth like the tracks of wild animals. This Tarot deck celebrates them, showing their faces all together for the first time. As a race with many different faces, it is fitting that the deck is a collaborative effort by many artists, all with different styles. The accompanying booklet tells the stories of all the gods and spirits in the deck, as well as how to interpret readings. See the Cards on NorthernShamanism.org!

Buy The Giants' Tarot direct from Asphodel Press

Hermaphrodeities, by Raven Kaldera Revised & Expanded 2nd Edition!
Transgendered people have long been robbed of their own spiritual history, not knowing that there were once times and places where ours was considered a spiritual path in and of itself. This book explores both our spiritual history and our modern predicaments, shaping the outline of a contemporary spiritual path for those of us who don't fit into just one gender box. This revised and expanded edition of Hermaphrodeities features third gender myths, deities, personal and group exercises, community service project suggestions, rituals, and interviews with people from all over both the transgender spectrum. We are all sacred and it is time that the world knew it. (370 pages, 6" x 9") Buy Hermaphrodeities at Lulu or on Amazon.
(You can buy the previous edition of Hermaphrodeities at Amazon.)

The Ethical Psychic Vampire, by Raven Kaldera Revised & Expanded Second Edition!
If you've ever felt that your energy or life force was being continually drained by someone - especially if it was someone that you loved - then you probably should have given them this book. This is the definitive guide to psychic vampires, with exercises and advice to help them learn control and compassion, and get their needs met in ethical ways. Far too many books on the subject treat psychic vampires as "those awful people over there who should be avoided"; this book treats them as real human beings who may need a little help coping with a challenging and ambivalent psychic gift. Written by a psychic vampire and shaman, "The Ethical Psychic Vampire" also covers such controversial topics as spirituality, sex magic, and ceremonial blood-drinking. From coping with vampire children to dealing with your vampire lover, this book covers it all in straightforward style. Buy The Ethical Psychic Vampire at Lulu or on Amazon.

Wightridden: Paths of Northern-Tradition Shamanism, by Raven Kaldera
The Eightfold Path is a wheel of eight roads to opening the mind and soul, eight paths of altered states. From rhythm to utiseta to fasting to ordeal, this book covers the ways that the ancient shamans of the Northlands used these paths to open themselves to the Wights. The fourth book in the Northern-Tradition Shamanism series, this book includes spirit-taught lessons from many different spirit-workers and the Gods that they serve and revere. Buy Wightridden at Lulu or on Amazon.
Available at a discount direct from the publisher.

Wyrdwalkers: Techniques of Northern-Tradition Shamanism, by Raven Kaldera
From dealing with Gods and spirits, to mastering the elements to reading the Threads of Wyrd, this book is a primer for the basic skills of a northern-tradition shaman or shamanic practitioner. The third book in the Northern-Tradition Shamanism series, this book includes spirit-taught lessons from many different spirit-workers and the Gods that they serve and revere. Buy Wyrdwalkers at Lulu or on Amazon.
Available at a discount direct from the publisher.

The Pathwalker's Guide to the Nine Worlds, by Raven Kaldera
The Pathwalker's Guide to the Nine Worlds is the first written exploration of the ancient Norse/Germanic cosmology not by academics and mythologists, but by the experiences of northern-tradition spirit-workers astrally visiting the Cosmos of the World Tree and the Nine Worlds that surround it. Written as a travelogue and etiquette-primer for would-be worldwalkers, and centered around the author's experiences on a nine-day walking tour of the Nine Worlds, this is the first book of its kind ever published. Buy The Pathwalker's Guide at Lulu or on Amazon.
Available at a discount direct from the publisher.

The Jotunbok: Working With The Giants Of The Northern Tradition, by Raven Kaldera
The Gods of the Northern Tradition--the religion of the ancient Norse/Germanic/Anglo-Saxon peoples--have been rediscovered in growing numbers in the past years, as have the elves and dwarves that inhabit the Nine Worlds of the Cosmic Tree along with them. However, few have written about the Giants of those worlds and the Gods who number among them-Loki, Hela, Fenris, the World Serpent, and others-until now. The Jotunbok-the first book in the Northern-Tradition Shamanism series-is a collection of the wisdom, ways and tales of the Giants and their Gods, told by those who revere and work with them. Buy The Jotunbok at LuLu or on Amazon.
Available at a discount direct from the publisher.

Dark Moon Rising: Pagan BDSM & the Ordeal Path, by Raven Kaldera
Throughout history, from the Hindu Kavadi ceremony to the Lakota Sun Dance, the Ordeal Path has been an honored spiritual road to the magic of the flesh, and to touching the Gods. Today many Pagans are discovering this path, by accident or by design. Simultaneously, many practitioners of secular BDSM are finding themselves having spiritual experiences in the middle of their most secular scenes. This book explores the crossover points between both these communities and practices, a cross-section which is growing steadily, baring controversial articles on topics as diverse as sacred pain, bondage, hook suspension, cathartic Pagan ritual, the spirituality of dominance and submission, and being the slave of the Gods. With contributions by noted authors and activists in both communities, and stunning photography by artist and Shibari-Do master Bridgett Harrington, this book is an awe-inspiring gateway into the Realm of the Underworld... and back again. Buy Dark Moon Rising at LuLu or on Amazon.
Available at a discount direct from the publisher.

Pagan Polyamory: Becoming a Tribe of Hearts, by Raven Kaldera
The term polyamory describes non-monogamous relationships based on honesty and affection. Presenting a fascinating peek inside the polyamorous lifestyle from a Pagan perspective, Raven Kaldera offers practical insight and spiritual depth into a vastly misunderstood way of life.

Relating polyamory to astrology and the elements (air, fire, water, earth, and spirit), the author addresses all aspects of the polyamorous life, including family life, sexual ethics, emotional issues, proper etiquette, relationship boundaries, and the pros of cons of this lifestyle. Kaldera also discusses polyamory as a path of spiritual transformation and shares spells, rituals, and ceremonies for affirming one's relationships and spirituality. Buy Pagan Polyamory at Amazon

EarthBound, by Raven Kaldera
"EarthBound: Pagan Homesteading" is a guide to rural living, small farming, and self-sufficiency as an earth-centered spiritual discipline. While it has hundreds of tips on simple, practical skills, its greatest gift lies in the words of its contributors - Pagan and Heathen homesteaders across the continent. This book is not only about what we do, it's about how and why we do it, and what that means to our souls. Whether you homestead yourself, or you'd like to someday, or you simply want to drink in the virtual life around many different Pagan homesteads, this book will educate you in many ways. Five different photographers and one artist donated their work to this lavishly illustrated book, and many other folk sent their voices in interviews. One Pagan homesteader turned over ten years' worth of diary entries for contribution to its pages. Other Pagans contributed essays, tips, recipes, and philosophy. Laid out along the months of the Algonquin, Celtic solar, Celtic lunar, and medieval Saxon months, "EarthBound" takes you on an odyssey of the sacredness of the turning year.

Earthbound is available on CD, in Microsoft Word document and PDF formats. The cost per CD is $15, plus $3 shipping and handling (in the US), payable to Raven Kaldera, 12 Simonds Hill Road, Hubbardston, MA 10452 via personal check, money order, or PayPal. Buy EarthBound direct from Cauldron Farm

MythAstrology, by Raven Kaldera
In ancient times, priests, poets, and astrologers studied the movements of the planets to understand the cycles of life. Mars, Venus, Neptune - the planets themselves are named after gods and goddesses of civilizations past. MythAstrology is a guide to understanding the expression of planetary energies through the signs of the zodiac. Explore the many myths that you may be living, their lessons, and their rewards and difficulties by discovering your own astrological mythology. All you need is a copy of your astrological birth chart and this book to form a complete astromythological profile of yourself and your friends and family. Deepen your understanding of ancient myth, modern astrology, and your own psyche. Buy MythAstrology at Amazon

Welcoming Hera's Blessing: Handfasting and Wedding Rituals, by Raven Kaldera and Tannin Schwartzstein.
Cross-culturally, weddings are perhaps the most common rite of passage that adults in our society have in common. It is also the one event that crosses cultures regardless of age, gender, social status or income. Perhaps most interestingly, it is also an event that most people wish to commemorate with some kind of ritual regardless of whether they had a religious or secular upbringing - and whether they do it publicly or privately, brief and cursory or long and elaborate.

Handfasting and Wedding Rituals has everything you need to plan the perfect Pagan wedding. You'll find advice and examples to help you with basic wedding planning, writing vows, and ritual construction, along with practical tips and great ideas about everything from low-cost wedding favors to candle and bonfire safety. Handfasting and Wedding Rituals also includes sixteen full rites honoring a wide variety of Pagan traditions. Rituals in their full form can be used exactly as printed or modified to fit your needs. Each rite is categorized as level one, two, or three depending on their level of overt Pagan content and degree of participation expected from your guests. Handfasting and Wedding Rituals includes multiple interfaith rituals and handparting/divorce rituals, as well as rituals for same sex couples and weddings of more than two. Buy Hera's Blessing at Amazon

Urban Primitive, by Raven Kaldera and Tannin Schwartzstein.
Revised and Updated Second Edition due out in 2010!
"When people think of Wicca, say authors Raven Kaldera and Tannin Schwartzstein, they tend to conjure images of bucolic festivals, dryadic rituals and flower-wreathed maidens. In other words, the public mind associates paganism with the seasons and the countryside. But that's only a part of the picture. In The Urban Primitive: Paganism in the Concrete Jungle, Kaldera and Schwartzstein contend that modern neo-paganism is actually an urban-based movement, and they offer specific rituals and hints on living in the city. Here, readers will learn how to use magick to find an elusive parking space, understand the symbolic meaning of various body piercings and discover spells for unearthing treasures in a junkyard. There is even a chapter on the magickal properties of urban weeds such as bittersweet, dandelion, kudzu (who knew?) and ragweed." -- Publisher's Weekly Buy Urban Primitive at Amazon

Best Transgender Erotica edited by Raven Kaldera & Hanne Blank
Best Transgender Erotica brings together twenty stories by writers of every gender. The first book to celebrate exclusively gender-bending, -crossing, and -breaking sexuality through erotic fiction, Best Transgender Erotica includes representations of many forms of `trans` identity. Whether blurring the line between masculine and feminine, or making the transition from female to male, or vice versa, these characters (and authors) had to put on their sexiest, most alluring, heart-racing show in order to make the cut. Including selections from Thomas Roche, Saachi Green, Todd Belton, Simon Sheppard, M. Christian, and many more of today`s best-known erotica writers, Best Transgender Erotica follows on the smashing success of Best Bisexual Erotica, which was released in 2000. Buy Best Trans Erotica at Amazon

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